HMG Peptide: What hMG (Menotropins) Is and How It Is Used
HMG peptide means hMG (menotropins, sold as Menopur), a prescription fertility hormone with FSH and LH activity, per its FDA label. It is taken from the urine of women after menopause. The label use is helping women grow several follicles and get pregnant in an assisted reproduction (ART) cycle. In men, a 2026 meta-analysis found gonadotropin therapy started sperm production in 74% of men with a pituitary-related hormone problem. Each Menopur vial holds 75 International Units of FSH activity and 75 of LH activity. It took 11.8 months on average for sperm to appear.
Sources: FDA label: MENOPUR (menotropins for injection) FDA prescribing information, DailyMed set ID 22c8db95-c3db-1770-8086-31356fbabe35 (the label version we retrieved is dated 31 May 2018; retrieved October 2026). Parts used: the indication (ART use), the description (urinary gonadotropins; 75 International Units each of FSH and LH activity per vial), the instruction to evaluate the male partner, the most common adverse reactions in ART, and the Rx only package text; Systematic review and meta-analysis: Huijben M et al. Boosting male fertility: the impact of gonadotropin therapy on hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, October 2026. PMID 41987691. Supports: azoospermia; pooled 74% (95% CI 66% to 82%) sperm induction at a mean 11.8 months; dual therapy better than hCG alone; poor study quality
Short answer
- What is hMG?
- A prescription fertility hormone. The label calls it a mix of gonadotropins, a type of hormone, with FSH and LH activity. It is marked Rx only.
- What is it used for?
- On the label: helping women who ovulate grow several follicles and get pregnant in an ART cycle. In studies of men with low hormones from a pituitary problem: starting sperm production.
- How well does it work in men?
- A 2026 meta-analysis (Andrology) found sperm production started in 74% of men on average. It took 11.8 months on average. Most of the studies were of poor quality.
Sources: FDA label: MENOPUR (menotropins for injection) FDA prescribing information, DailyMed set ID 22c8db95-c3db-1770-8086-31356fbabe35 (the label version we retrieved is dated 31 May 2018; retrieved October 2026). Parts used: the indication (ART use), the description (urinary gonadotropins; 75 International Units each of FSH and LH activity per vial), the instruction to evaluate the male partner, the most common adverse reactions in ART, and the Rx only package text; Systematic review and meta-analysis: Huijben M et al. Boosting male fertility: the impact of gonadotropin therapy on hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, October 2026. PMID 41987691. Supports: azoospermia; pooled 74% (95% CI 66% to 82%) sperm induction at a mean 11.8 months; dual therapy better than hCG alone; poor study quality
What Is hMG?
hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, drug name menotropins, sold as Menopur) is a prescription fertility hormone with FSH and LH activity, per its FDA label. It is a mix of hormones taken from the urine of women after menopause.
The Menopur label says it is a mix of gonadotropins with FSH and LH activity. It is taken from the urine of women after menopause. Then it goes through extra steps to purify it. FSH is follicle-stimulating hormone. LH is luteinizing hormone.
The name explains the source. "Menopausal" is there because the hormones are taken from the urine of women after menopause. "Gonadotropin" means a hormone that acts on the gonads, the ovaries or testes.
Is hMG a Peptide?
hMG is not called a peptide on its FDA label: the Menopur label calls it a preparation of gonadotropins. So gonadotropin is the right term.
Many people search for "hMG peptide", often next to research peptides. That can blur an important line. hMG is a prescription drug with an FDA label, marked Rx only. It is not a research compound. Its label use is fertility care.
What Is hMG Injection Used For?
hMG injection (Menopur) has one FDA label use: helping women who ovulate grow several follicles and get pregnant in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. In studies, it is also used with hCG in some men to start sperm production. The label says Menopur is for growing several follicles and for pregnancy. It is for women who ovulate. It is used as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycle.
ART stands for assisted reproductive technology. The label use is about growing several follicles in one round of care.
The label also looks at the couple, not just the woman. It says to check the fertility status of the male partner.
What Does hMG Do for Men?
In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, gonadotropin treatment that includes hMG can start sperm production: a 2026 meta-analysis in Andrology (PMID 41987691) found a pooled 74% success rate after a mean 11.8 months. This is study evidence. The Menopur label has no use in men.
The hCG label describes this condition as hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency. In plain words, the testes make too little because the pituitary gland falls short. A 2026 review says men with it usually have azoospermia. That means no sperm in the semen. The review calls it one of the few causes of infertility that a medicine can help.
Why both hormones matter: a 2002 study says it is generally accepted that sperm making needs both LH and FSH. Both are needed to start it and to keep it going. hMG brings both FSH and LH activity.
| Source | Finding | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 meta-analysis | Pooled success in starting sperm production: 74% (95% CI 66% to 82%) | Mean time to sperm production 11.8 months; most included studies of poor methodological quality |
| 2026 meta-analysis | Two hormones together worked better than hCG alone | Same review |
| 1998 review of 42 cases | Sperm appeared in the ejaculate in 54 of 57 treatment courses | Treatment was pulsatile GnRH or hCG/hMG |
Two cautions. Most studies in the 2026 meta-analysis were of poor methodological quality, meaning weak study design. And the evidence is about men with this one condition. Our sources had no human evidence for hMG in other uses. That includes raising testosterone in other men, bodybuilding, or use with testosterone therapy. For background, see the TRT guide and the hormones guide.
Sources: Systematic review and meta-analysis: Huijben M et al. Boosting male fertility: the impact of gonadotropin therapy on hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, October 2026. PMID 41987691. Supports: azoospermia; pooled 74% (95% CI 66% to 82%) sperm induction at a mean 11.8 months; dual therapy better than hCG alone; poor study quality; Clinical case series (42 men): Büchter D et al. Pulsatile GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin as effective treatment for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a review of 42 cases. European Journal of Endocrinology, September 1998. PMID 9758439. Supports: sperm induced in 54 of 57 courses; paternity achieved; Clinical study (men): Depenbusch M et al. Maintenance of spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men with human chorionic gonadotropin alone. European Journal of Endocrinology, November 2002. PMID 12444893. Supports: LH and FSH both needed to start and keep sperm production
hMG vs hCG: What Is the Difference?
hMG has both FSH and LH activity, per the Menopur label. hCG is a separate gonadotropin, and its own FDA label lists selected cases of male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as a use. hCG is a different hormone of the same type. A 2026 meta-analysis looked at men whose low hormones come from a pituitary problem. Two of these hormones together worked better than hCG alone.
| Feature | hMG (Menopur) | hCG |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Human menopausal gonadotropin (menotropins), sold as Menopur | Human chorionic gonadotropin |
| What the label says it is | Hormones with FSH and LH activity, taken from the urine of women after menopause, then purified | Chorionic gonadotropin for injection |
| Labeled use in women | Helping women who ovulate grow several follicles and get pregnant, in an ART cycle | Not covered in the evidence used here |
| Labeled use in men | None on the Menopur label | Selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males |
| Prescription | Label marked Rx only | Not covered in the evidence used here |
| Note on the label | Check the fertility status of the male partner | Not shown to work as an added treatment for obesity |
The hCG label also has a warning in capital letters. It says hCG has not been shown to work as an added treatment for obesity. For more on hCG itself, see the hCG profile. The 1998 case review also used pulsatile GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone); for a GnRH analog, see the gonadorelin profile.
Sources: FDA label: MENOPUR (menotropins for injection) FDA prescribing information, DailyMed set ID 22c8db95-c3db-1770-8086-31356fbabe35 (the label version we retrieved is dated 31 May 2018; retrieved October 2026). Parts used: the indication (ART use), the description (urinary gonadotropins; 75 International Units each of FSH and LH activity per vial), the instruction to evaluate the male partner, the most common adverse reactions in ART, and the Rx only package text; FDA label: Chorionic Gonadotropin for injection (Fresenius Kabi) FDA prescribing information, DailyMed set ID f93b2baa-03ac-4650-b35a-20b818d712d6 (version dated 11 April 2025, retrieved October 2026). Parts used: the indications (selected cases of male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) and the obesity statement printed in capitals; Systematic review and meta-analysis: Huijben M et al. Boosting male fertility: the impact of gonadotropin therapy on hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, October 2026. PMID 41987691. Supports: azoospermia; pooled 74% (95% CI 66% to 82%) sperm induction at a mean 11.8 months; dual therapy better than hCG alone; poor study quality; Clinical case series (42 men): Büchter D et al. Pulsatile GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin as effective treatment for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a review of 42 cases. European Journal of Endocrinology, September 1998. PMID 9758439. Supports: sperm induced in 54 of 57 courses; paternity achieved
Vial Strength and Dosing
hMG is measured in International Units (IU) of hormone activity, not milligrams. The Menopur FDA label lists 75 International Units of FSH activity and 75 of LH activity per vial. We found no FDA label that gives a dose for men.
The FDA label for Menopur lists:
Each vial: 75 International Units of FSH activity and 75 International Units of LH activity
Disclaimer: this is label information about what is in a vial. It is not a recommendation. Dose decisions belong with a licensed clinician.
We found no FDA label that gives a dose for men. The Menopur label version we retrieved covers women in ART cycles only. This page does not give a dose for men. Dose decisions belong with a licensed clinician.
hMG Side Effects
The most common hMG side effects on the Menopur FDA label are belly cramps and pain, headache, injection site reactions and OHSS. These are the ones seen in 2% or more of people in ART. The full list:
- Belly cramps, a swollen belly and belly pain (abdominal pain)
- Headache
- Pain, redness or swelling where the shot goes in
- OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), when the ovaries react too strongly
OHSS is on the label's list of most common reactions in ART. hMG is a prescription drug. This page does not tell anyone to use it, or how.
Common Questions
What is hMG peptide used for?+
The FDA label for Menopur, an hMG product, lists one use. It helps women who ovulate grow several follicles and get pregnant. This is part of an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. In men, hMG is studied with hCG to start sperm production. These are men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which means low sex hormones because of a pituitary problem.
What does hMG do for males?+
In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, gonadotropin treatment can start sperm production. A 2026 meta-analysis pooled the results. Treatment worked in 74% on average. It took 11.8 months on average. But most of the studies were of poor quality. A 1998 case series used hCG/hMG or GnRH. Sperm appeared in 54 of 57 courses. The Menopur label itself has no use in men.
Which is better, hCG or hMG?+
They are not simple swaps. A 2026 meta-analysis looked at men whose low hormones come from a pituitary problem. Two of these hormones together worked better than hCG alone. A 2002 study says it is generally accepted that sperm making needs both LH and FSH. hMG has both FSH and LH activity.
How much hMG to take for men?+
We found no FDA label that gives an hMG dose for men. The Menopur label version we retrieved covers women in ART cycles. This page does not give a dose; dose decisions belong with a licensed clinician.
What is hMG vs hCG?+
hMG (menotropins) is a mix of fertility hormones. It has FSH and LH activity. It is taken from the urine of women after menopause. hCG is human chorionic gonadotropin. The hCG label lists one use in men: selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The Menopur label lists only an ART use in women.
Is hMG a peptide?+
The Menopur label does not call it one. It calls hMG a mix of gonadotropins with FSH and LH activity. People often search for hMG peptide. But gonadotropin is the word the label uses.
Sources: FDA label: MENOPUR (menotropins for injection) FDA prescribing information, DailyMed set ID 22c8db95-c3db-1770-8086-31356fbabe35 (the label version we retrieved is dated 31 May 2018; retrieved October 2026). Parts used: the indication (ART use), the description (urinary gonadotropins; 75 International Units each of FSH and LH activity per vial), the instruction to evaluate the male partner, the most common adverse reactions in ART, and the Rx only package text; FDA label: Chorionic Gonadotropin for injection (Fresenius Kabi) FDA prescribing information, DailyMed set ID f93b2baa-03ac-4650-b35a-20b818d712d6 (version dated 11 April 2025, retrieved October 2026). Parts used: the indications (selected cases of male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) and the obesity statement printed in capitals; Systematic review and meta-analysis: Huijben M et al. Boosting male fertility: the impact of gonadotropin therapy on hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, October 2026. PMID 41987691. Supports: azoospermia; pooled 74% (95% CI 66% to 82%) sperm induction at a mean 11.8 months; dual therapy better than hCG alone; poor study quality; Clinical case series (42 men): Büchter D et al. Pulsatile GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin as effective treatment for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a review of 42 cases. European Journal of Endocrinology, September 1998. PMID 9758439. Supports: sperm induced in 54 of 57 courses; paternity achieved; Clinical study (men): Depenbusch M et al. Maintenance of spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men with human chorionic gonadotropin alone. European Journal of Endocrinology, November 2002. PMID 12444893. Supports: LH and FSH both needed to start and keep sperm production
Related reading
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It describes what FDA labels and published studies report about hMG (menotropins) and hCG. It is not an endorsement or an instruction to use any medicine. hMG and hCG are prescription drugs. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making any decision about your health.